religious freedom

The Latest

Senator Ben Sasse, who introduced the resolution in the Senate, pictured at the National Press Club, Oct. 2018.

Senate passes ‘religious test’ resolution on Knights of Columbus

Jan 17, 2019

By Ed Condon

The Senate yesterday passed a resolution saying it would be "unconstitutional" to consider membership in the Knights of Columbus a... Read more

The White House.

Religious liberty innate to every human person, Trump says

Jan 16, 2019

Religious freeom is innate and must be protected, US president Donald Trump said in his proclamation for Religious Freedom Day,... Read more

The flag of the People's Republic of China.

China's crackdown on Christians continues

Jan 15, 2019

A campaign by the Chinese government to 'Sinicize' religion is ongoing, with detention and indoctrination of Muslims in the far... Read more

Little Sisters of the Poor outside the Supreme Court in March, 2016 , for the Zubik v. Burwell case.

Judges block Little Sisters' religious exemption from contraception mandate

Jan 14, 2019

Judges in California and Pennsylvania have issued injunctions against a Trump administration rule that would allow the Little Sisters of... Read more

Little Sisters of the Poor outside the Supreme Court where oral arguments were heard on March 23, 2016 in the Zubik v. Burwell case.

Little Sisters back in court to defend HHS mandate exemption

Jan 10, 2019

By Christine Rousselle

The Little Sisters of the Poor are back in court this week, as two states are challenging their religious exemption... Read more

Cake artist Jack Phillips, owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop in Lakewood, Colorado.

Christian cake baker's second lawsuit can go forward, federal judge says

Jan 7, 2019

A Colorado baker who already won a U.S. Supreme Court case may proceed with a second lawsuit claiming the state... Read more

A Catholic church in Thakhek, Laos.

Seven Christians detained several days in Laos

Jan 3, 2019

Seven Christians in a Laotian village were arrested and detained for several days for holding a church service deemed illegal.  Read more

A young girl lights a candle at a Marian grotto in Pakistan.

Pakistani province announces plan to protect religious minorities

Dec 13, 2018

A Pakistani official announced this week a new “Minorities Empowerment Package” and the creation of a task force to ensure... Read more

In New York, public school officials to evaluate private schools

Dec 12, 2018

Leaders of New York state’s more than 500 Catholic schools are planning to boycott a new state review system, whereby... Read more

Iran, China detain hundreds of Christians

Dec 11, 2018

While religious leaders marked the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights this week by saying that more... Read more

Report: 'Aggressive nationalism' fueling threats to religious minorities

Nov 26, 2018

“Aggressive nationalism” is a principal driver of violence and intimidation targeting religious minorities in certain parts of the world, according... Read more

Venice illuminated red in remembrance of persecuted Christians.

Venice illuminated in red for Asia Bibi, persecuted Christians

Nov 21, 2018

By Hannah Brockhaus

To express solidarity with persecuted Christians, including Asia Bibi, a Pakistani woman recently acquitted of blasphemy, the city of Venice... Read more

A look at 25 years of RFRA

Nov 20, 2018

Last week marked the 25th anniversary of the enactment of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, known as RFRA.  Read more

How will palliative care fare in Canada?

Nov 16, 2018

A member for Canadian Physicians for Life says requiring provision of assisted suicide by Catholic hospitals and by hospices will... Read more

Pope Francis meets with members of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre in the Vatican's Clementine Hall, Nov. 16, 2018.

Pope Francis calls restrictions to religious freedom a 'white martyrdom'

Nov 16, 2018

By Hannah Brockhaus

There is the bloody martyrdom of Christians killed for their faith, but also another “martyrdom” which takes place when religious... Read more

Barronelle Stutzman of Arlene's Flowers.

Florist case reopens before Washington Supreme Court

Nov 14, 2018

Attorneys representing florist Barronelle Stutzman filed their opening brief with the Washington Supreme Court on Tuesday, as the court re-hears... Read more

A young girl lights a candle at a Marian grotto in Pakistan.

A look at blasphemy laws around the world

Nov 14, 2018

By Courtney Mares

While the world awaits the fate of Asia Bibi, who remains in hiding in Pakistan following the acquittal of her... Read more

With US adoption needs high, Kansas looks to restrict religious agencies

Nov 10, 2018

The incoming governor of Kansas is looking for a way to avoid enforcing a religious freedom law protecting adoption agencies... Read more

Trump administration to revise exemptions to contraception mandate

Oct 31, 2018

The Trump administration is modifying religious exemptions and accommodations against mandatory employer health care coverage of contraception, after federal judges... Read more

Anti-religious freedom grants target Georgia, Florida, N.M., Texas

Oct 30, 2018

By Kevin J. Jones

Four states, including Texas and Florida, are in the crosshairs of an anti-religious freedom funders’ network that coordinated the successful... Read more